Antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fibers and process of preparation thereof

ABSTRACT

An antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fiber is disclosed. The antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fiber comprises a quaternary ammonium compound in a concentration range of 0.05-1% w/w on the regenerated cellulosic fiber.

The present disclosure provides antibacterial regenerated cellulosicfibers and a process for preparing the said antibacterial regeneratedcellulosic fibers.

BACKGROUND

Cellulosic fibers are known for their good wearability. Cellulosicfibers are excellent in terms of sweat absorption because of theirhigher hydrophilicity as compared to other type of manmade fibers. Thus,cellulose fibers are suitable for use in outdoor clothes, sportsclothes, shirts and undergarments that are in direct contact with theskin.

However, cellulosic fibers provide environment for bacterial growthwhich produces unpleasant smell, such as smell of sweat, rotten foodmaterials etc. As regards health-related professionals, protection frompathogens such as fungi or other similar microorganisms, that areresponsible for lethal infections and allergic reactions, is a growingconcern. Hence textiles with antibacterial properties are desirable.Conventional antibacterial textile products have the following inherentproblems:

-   -   limited antibacterial efficacy, and    -   antibacterial efficacy is not maintained over the lifetime of        the textile, particularly during repeated laundering process.

There is thus a need to develop antibacterial cellulosic fibers andtheir products having anti-bacterial property, odor-preventingproperties or destroying properties as well as deodorizing properties.Such antibacterial cellulosic fibers should inhibit the inhabitation andproliferation of bacteria on fibers and be safe for human use whilepersistently maintaining antibacterial effects. Further, it is desirablethat the antibacterial cellulosic fibers are made using approvedchemicals (as per BPR or REACH).

SUMMARY

An antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fiber is disclosed. Theantibacterial regenerated cellulosic fiber comprises a quaternaryammonium compound in a concentration range of 0.05-1% w/w on theregenerated cellulosic fiber.

A process for preparing antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fibers isalso disclosed. The process comprises spinning a cellulosic solutionthrough spinneret into a regeneration bath to obtain regeneratedcellulosic fibers; washing the regenerated cellulosic fibers; treatingthe regenerated cellulosic fibers with a solution of quaternary ammoniumcompound having a concentration range of 0.1-1.5% w/w of regeneratedcellulosic fibers to obtain treated regenerated cellulosic fibers; anddrying the treated regenerated cellulosic fibers to obtain antibacterialregenerated cellulosic fibers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to embodiments and specificlanguage will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless beunderstood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is therebyintended, such alterations and further modifications in the disclosedcomposition, and such further applications of the principles of theinvention therein being contemplated as would normally occur to oneskilled in the art to which the invention relates.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoinggeneral description and the following detailed description are exemplaryand explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictivethereof.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” “anembodiment” or similar language means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment” andsimilar language throughout this specification may, but do notnecessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

The present disclosure provides antibacterial regenerated cellulosicfibers and a process for preparation thereof. The antibacterialregenerated cellulosic fibers comprising a quaternary ammonium compoundin a concentration range of 0.05-1% w/w on the regenerated cellulosicfiber.

In accordance with an embodiment, the quaternary ammonium compound isselected from the group consisting of dodecyl dimethylammonium chloride(DDAC), C8-C18 alkyltrimethylammonium chlorides (such astrimethyloctylammonium chloride, decyltrimethylammonium chloride andhexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride), soyalkyltrimethylammoniumchloride, dicocalkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride,alkyl-benzyldimethylammonium chlorides (such asbenzyldimethylstearylammonium chloride, benzylalkyldimethylammoniumchloride orcocalkyl(2,4-dichlorobenzyl) dimethylammonium chloride,Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride, OctylDecyl Dimethyl AmmoniumChloride, Didecyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride, Dioctyl Dimethyl AmmoniumChloride, silicon based quaternary ammonium salts such as3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl dimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride,3-(trimethoxysilyl)propylmethyldi(decyl)ammoniumchloride,3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyloctadecyldimethyl ammonium chloride and mixtures thereof. These quaternaryammonium compounds act as antibacterial agents.

The antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fibers can be used tomanufacture masks, scrubs, towels, doctor's coats, bath robes, pajamas,and uniforms for medical personnel; linens for use in hospitals; bothsanitary and be perceived as sanitary; antibacterial finished socksrequired for foot ulcer prevention; antibacterial and antifungalfinished socks and inner wear for military personnel; sportswear marketcomprising sport socks, gloves, sport bras, caps etc.; home textiles andfurnishing; textiles; and antibacterial wipes etc.

The products obtained by utilization of the antibacterial regeneratedcellulosic fibers have improved antibacterial properties; controlledodor and staining due to bacterial growth; antibacterial activity ofmore than 99% after at least 20 wash cycles. Such products are obtainedby environment friendly technology, as chemicals used in the process canbe recycled in the process. Further, minimal amount of chemical issufficient for antibacterial property. Additionally, the antibacterialregenerated cellulosic fibers retain antibacterial activity duringdownstream processing.

In accordance with an embodiment the antibacterial regeneratedcellulosic fibers can be an antibacterial viscose staple fiber,antibacterial modal fiber or antibacterial lyocell fiber.

In accordance with an embodiment the antibacterial regeneratedcellulosic fibers can be used for making woven, non-woven fabrics, fiberblends and fiber composites.

The present disclosure also provides a process for preparingantibacterial regenerated cellulosic fibers, the process comprisingspinning a cellulosic solution through spinneret into a regenerationbath to obtain regenerated cellulosic fibers; washing the regeneratedcellulosic fibers; treating the regenerated cellulosic fibers with asolution of quaternary ammonium compound having a concentration range of0.1-1.5% w/w of regenerated cellulosic fibers to obtain treatedregenerated cellulosic fibers; and drying the treated regeneratedcellulosic fibers to obtain antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fibers.

In addition, present process provides a mechanism to open pores orstriations on the surface of fibers to increase the surface area andinfuse more active ingredients. Thus, making the antibacterialregenerated cellulosic fibers resist the destructiveness of washing andmaintain efficacy against pathogens such as: gram-negative bacteria,gram-positive bacteria, mold, mildew, fungus, spores, and viruses, andnot be washed away during repeated launderings and uses.

In accordance with an embodiment, the regenerated cellulosic fibers areprepared by viscose process. The viscose was prepared by treatment ofpulp sheets (high alpha cellulose, viscose grade pulp) with causticsoda, shredding the resulting in alkali cellulose, xanthating the alkalicellulose and dissolving it in a caustic soda solution. The viscose wasthen aged and spun by extrusion through orifices into a spinning bathcontaining sulfuric acid, sodium sulfate and zinc sulfate. The spinningbath being maintained at a temperature of 30-50° C. The filaments werewithdrawn from the bath and passed over a first and second godets, thencollected. After collecting the filaments, they were washed,desulfurized and bleached by conventional treatments.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, the regenerated cellulosicfibres can also be prepared by Lyocell process, wherein the cellulosewas dissolved in N-methylmorpholine (NMMO) under heated conditions,usually in the range of 90° C. to 130° C., and extruded from amultiplicity of fine apertured spinnerets into air. The filaments ofcellulose dope are continuously mechanically drawn in air by a factor inthe range of about three to ten times to cause molecular orientation.They are then led into water, to regenerate the cellulosic fibres namelyLyocell.

In yet another embodiment, extension of present invention to othercellulosic natural fibres such as cotton, Jute, hemp, flax etc., isconceivable for the person skilled in the art.

Examples

Viscose Staple Fiber (VSF) or Modal or Lyocell, made using standardmanufacturing process does not give durable antibacterial performance.

An antibacterial agent is used in Standard VSF or Modal or Lyocellmanufacturing process to improve antibacterial performance of fiber. Asmall amount of chemical DDAC (i.e. 0.05-1% on weight of cellulosefiber) is infused by the way of: pouring or spraying or soaking orcoating or padding or dipping and the like on the fiber during fibermanufacturing process and then fibers were dried and finally packed intothe bales. The resultant fiber was then evaluated for antibacterialperformance in external biological laboratory as per standard testmethods.

The performance of DDAC (present invention) is compared with otherwell-known antibacterial agent (Triclosan). Comparative examples areshown in table 1.

TABLE 1 Test results as per AATCC 147-2013 for S. Aureus Sr. Growth freeContact No. Sample Description Zone (mm) inhibition (%) C.E.1 0.5%Triclosan on cellulose fiber 0 0 Ex. 1 0.15% DDAC on cellulose fiber 4100

Triclosan did not demonstrate any antibacterial activity at 0.5%concentration to weight of cellulose, but DDAC shows 100% contactinhibition of bacteria in spite of lower concentration of 0.15%.

TABLE 2 Comparison of Viscose fiber treated with and without DDAC as anantibacterial agent. Sr. No. Sample description Bacteria AATCC 100* JISL-1902* C.E.-2.1 Viscose Fiber S. Aureus 97.7 2.07 K.pneumoniae 95 2.06C.E.-2.2 Viscose Fiber-20 wash S. Aureus 0 1.79 K.pneumoniae 0 1.33C.E.-2.3 Viscose Fiber --> Spunlaced to make S. Aureus 62.17 1.4Nonwoven sheet K.pneumoniae 45.83 1.38 Ex.-2.1 Viscose fiber treatedwith 0.15% S. Aureus 99.66 5 DDAC K.pneumoniae 99.62 4.43 EX.-2.2Viscose fiber treated with 0.15% S. Aureus 99.66 2.94 DDAC --> 20washK.pneumoniae 99.62 2.96 EX.-2.2a Viscose fiber treated with 0.15% S.Aureus 98.63 DDAC --> 30wash K.pneumoniae 97.82 EX.-2.3 Viscose fibertreated with 0.15% S. Aureus 99.99 5.37 DDAC --> Spunlaced to makeK.pneumoniae 99.93 5.1 Nonwoven sheet EX.-2.4 Viscose fibre treated0.05% DDAC-0- S. Aureus 99.95 Wash K.pneumoniae 99.92 EX.-2.5 Viscosefibre treated 1% DDAC-0- S. Aureus 99.99 Wash K.pneumniae 99.99 EX.-2.6Viscose fibre treated 0.05% DDAC- S. Aureus 99.35 20-Wash K.pneumoniae98.99 EX.-2.7 Viscose fibre treated 1% DDAC-20- S. Aureus 99.80 WashK.pneumoniae 99.53 EX.-2.8 Lyocell fibre treated 0.15% DDAC-0- S. Aureus99.95 Wash K.pneumoniae 99.92 EX.-2.9 Viscose fibre treated 0.15% S.Aureus 99.86 DDAC-20-Wash K.pneumoniae 99.25 *For JISL: The StandardAntibacterial Value A ≥ 2. *For AATCC 100: % Reduction of Bacteria

As shown in table 2 above, Comparative example C.E.2.1-2.3 show lessantibacterial activity and after 20 washes the activity is lostcompletely. Also, activity is considerably reduced during the process ofmaking nonwoven spunlaced sheets. Similarly, in examples 2.1-2.7 whichare treated with 0.05 to 1% DDAC on fiber surface, shows more than 99%bacterial kill and further this activity is retained after 20-30 washcycles and even after spunlacing process.

TABLE 3 Comparison of Black Dope dyed viscose fiber treated with andwithout DDAC as an antibacterial agent Results for AntibacterialActivity by AATCC 100-2012 % Reduction S.N. Sample Description TestCulture of Bacteria C.E.-3.1 Dope dyed VSF fiber S. Aureus 80.39K.pneumoniae 72.02 C.E.-3.2 Dope dyed VSF fiber --> 5 wash S. Aureus70.28 K.pneumoniae 51.85 C.E.-3.3 Dope dyed VSF fiber --> 20 wash S.Aureus 0 K.pneumoniae 0 EX.-3.1 Dope dyed VSF fiber --> DDAC S. Aureus99.98 (0.15%) K.pneumoniae 99.97 EX.-3.2 Dope dyed VSF fiber --> DDAC S.Aureus 99.98 (0.15%) --> 5 wash K.pneumoniae 99.69 EX.-3.3 Dope dyed VSFfiber --> DDAC S. Aureus 99.61 (0.15%) --> 20 wash K.pneumoniae 99.35

As seen in table 3 above, Comparative example C.E.3.1-3.3 (VSF fibermade by dope dyeing process i.e. dope dyed using black pigment) theactivity is reduced after 5 washes and do not show any antibacterialactivity after 20 washes. In case of example 3.1-3.3 which is sampleprepared with addition of 0.15% DDAC on fiber surface, sample shows morethat 99% bacterial kill and this activity is retained after 20 washcycles.

TABLE 4 Effect of DDAC as antibacterial agent on dope dyed yellowcolored spunlaced fabric. Spunlaced VSF fabric S. aureus K. pneumoniaeE. coli (Yellow dope dyed) (ATCC 6538) (ATCC 4352) (ATCC 11229) Sr. DDACAntibacterial Value as per ISO 20743 (The Standard No. concentrationAntibacterial Value A ≥ 2: Pass) C.E.-4   0% 1.7 1.52 1.51 EX-4.10.1% >5.63 4.5 4.28 EX-4.2 0.2% >5.67 5.07 4.62

As seen in table 4 above, dope dyed VSF fibers (dyed with yellowpigment) were treated with 0.1% and 0.2% DDAC and then spunlaced. Thesefibers were then tested for antibacterial activity as per ISO 20743 andit was found that addition of 0.1%-0.2% DDAC (EX-4.1 & EX-4.2) on fibersurface, sample pass the test but fiber without DDAC (C.E.-4) fail thetest criteria as per ISO 20743.

TABLE 5 Antibacterial performance in blends with Cotton or regularviscose Greige Viscose Fabric stage (Antibacterial VSF [V-AB] EfficacyTest fiber was made from fiber JIS L 1902 AATCC 100 with 0.15% DDAC S.K. S. K. Sr. No. application) Norms Aureus Pneumoniae Norms AureusPneumoniae C.E.-5 C/V: 50:50 S > 2 1.64 1.7 >99% 0 0 (Normal Viscose)--2wash EX-5.1 C/V-AB: 50:50)-2 wash 3.61 3.58 99.83 99.57 EX-5.2 Normalviscose/V-AB: 4.17 3.87 99.96 99.76 70:30--> 2 wash

As seen in table 5 above, studies were conducted on fabric prepared byblending antibacterial VSF with cotton (50:50) and Regular VSF (70:30)to demonstrate the effect of performance in blends. As seen in C.E. 5:there is no activity in 50:50 C/V blends when Antibacterial fiber wasabsent, but as seen in EX:5.1 which consist of 50% DDAC treated fiberspass the test as per JISL 1902 and 99% activity as per AATCC 100.Similar results are also seen in EX 5.2 where blends of normal viscosewith antibacterial viscose (70:30).

TABLE 6 Antibacterial performance in blends with Cotton andAnti-bacterial VSF treated with 0.15% DDAC AATCC JIS Sample descriptionBacteria 100* L-1902* EX-6.1 Antibacterial Fabric blend 60:40 S. Aureus99.84 4.08 (Cotton:ABViscose)→0 wash K. pneumonia 99.68 4.12 EX-6.2Antibacterial Fabric blend 60:40 S. Aureus 99.89 >5.63(Cotton:ABViscose)→ 10 wash K. pneumonia 99.86 4.50 EX-6.3 AntibacterialFabric blend 60:40 S. Aureus 99.89 2.40 (Cotton:ABViscose)→ 20 wash K.pneumonia 99.86 2.48 EX-6.4 Antibacterial Fabric blend 60:40 S. Aureus93.84 2.45 (Cotton:ABViscose)→ 30 wash K. pneumonia 93.10 2.49 EX-6.5Antibacterial Fabric blend 60:40 S. Aureus 92.41 2.41 (Cotton:ABViscose) □ 50 wash K. pneumonia 92.73 2.39

As seen in table 6 above, studies were conducted on fabric prepared byblending antibacterial VSF with cotton (40:60) to demonstrate the effectof performance in blends. Ex. 6.1-6.5, demonstrates the activity of >92%even after 50 washes inspite of only 40% component of antibacterial VSFin blended fabric.

TABLE 7 Antibacterial performance in modal fabrics. Sample Details(AATCC 100) Antibacterial Modal [AB-Modal] is prepared % Reduction bytreating with 0.15% DDAC of bacteria Fabric color/ After Fabric Without20 Sr. No. Fabric type finishing stage Bacteria wash wash C.E.-7 GreigeGreige S. aureus 50.27 0 (Regular K. pneumonia 46.53 0 Modal) EX-7.1Greige (AB Greig S. aureus >99.99 >99.99 MODAL) K. pneumoniae 99.8999.92 EX-7.2 Black (AB Black/Ready S. aureus >99.99 >99.99 Modal) forFinish K. pneumoniae >99.99 99.98 EX-7.3 Black (AB Black/Final S.aureus >99.99 >99.99 Modal) Finished K. pneumoniae >99.99 >99.99

As seen in table 7, EX 7.1-7.3 Greige Modal fabric was made using fiberstreated with 0.15% of DDAC clearly demonstrates the retention ofantibacterial activity which is less or not retained for regular modal(C.E.-7).

Test Methods: Following Test Methods Were Used for Characterization ofAntibacterial Efficacy: A. Determination of Anti-Bacterial Property ofTest Specimen: AATCC Test Method 100-2004

Swatches of test and control specimens are inoculated with the organisms(S. Aureus: 1.5×108 Cfu/ml and K. Pneumoniae: 1.5×108 Cfu/ml). Afterinoculation, the specimens are incubated for 18 hours. After incubation,the bacteria are eluted from the specimen swatches by shaking in knownamounts of neutralizing solution.

The number of bacteria present in this liquid is determined and thepercentage reduction by the specimens is calculated. Percent reduction(R) of bacteria by the specimen treatment

R=100 C (C−A)/C

Where,

A=the number of bacteria recovered from the inoculated test specimenswatches incubated

over the desired contact period,

C=the number of bacteria recovered from the inoculated control specimenswatches Immediately after inoculation.

B. JIS L 1902—Absorption Method:

The JIS L 1902—Absorption method as follows: first, an inoculum wasprepared in 20±0.1 ml of NB and incubated for 24 hat 37±1° C. Then,bacteria concentration is adjusted to 3×108 cells ml-1, by absorbancereading and using the respective calibration curves. A volume of 400 μlfrom the previous suspension is added to 20 ml of NB and incubated for 3h at 37±1° C. The bacteria concentration is measured again and dilutedin NB 20× (in distilled water) to 3×105 cells ml-1 and 200 ml of thisinoculum are added to each sample. The samples are incubated for 24 h at37±1° C. Then, 20 ml of physiological saline solution (8.5 g of NaCl and2.0 g of non-ionic surfactant) is added to samples which are vortexed.In order to achieve the number of living bacteria, a serial dilutionplate count method is performed (JIS L 1902 2008).

Specific Embodiments

An antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fiber comprising a quaternaryammonium compound in a concentration range of 0.05-1% w/w on theregenerated cellulosic fiber is disclosed.

Such antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fiber(s), wherein thequaternary ammonium compound is in a concentration range of 0.1-1% w/won cellulosic fiber.

Such antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fiber(s),wherein thequaternary ammonium compound is selected from the group consisting ofdodecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC), C8-C18 alkyl trimethylammonium chlorides (such as trimethyloctylammonium chloride,decyltrimethyl ammonium chloride and hexadecyltrimethyl ammoniumchloride), soyalkyltrimethyl ammonium chloride, dicocalkyl dimethylammonium chloride, alkyl-benzyl dimethyl ammonium chlorides (such asbenzyldimethylstearyl ammonium chloride, benzyl alkyl dimethyl ammoniumchloride orcocalkyl(2,4-dichlorobenzyl) dimethyl ammonium chloride,Dimethyl B enzyl Ammonium Chloride, OctylDecyl Dimethyl AmmoniumChloride, Didecyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride, Dioctyl Dimethyl AmmoniumChloride, silicon based quaternary ammonium salts such as3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl dimethyl octadecyl ammonium chloride,3-(trimethoxysilyl) propylmethyldi(decyl)ammonium chloride,3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl octadecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride andmixtures thereof.

Such antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fiber(s), has an antibacterialactivity of more than 99% after at least 20 wash cycles.

Such antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fiber(s), retain antibacterialactivity during downstream processing.

Such antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fiber(s), is antibacterialviscose staple fiber, antibacterial modal fiber or antibacterial lyocellfiber.

Such antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fiber(s), is used for makingwoven, non-woven fabrics, fiber blends and fiber composites.

Other Specific Embodiments

A process for preparing antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fibers,comprises spinning a cellulosic solution through spinneret into aregeneration bath to obtain regenerated cellulosic fibers; washing theregenerated cellulosic fibers; treating the regenerated cellulosicfibers with a solution of quaternary ammonium compound having aconcentration range of 0.1-1.5% w/w of regenerated cellulosic fibers toobtain treated regenerated cellulosic fibers; and drying the treatedregenerated cellulosic fibers to obtain antibacterial regeneratedcellulosic fibers.

Such process(s), wherein treatment of the regenerated cellulosic fiberswith the solution of quaternary ammonium compound is carried out byspraying, padding, dipping, pouring or soaking.

Such process(s), wherein the quaternary ammonium compound is selectedfrom the group consisting of dodecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC),C8-C18 alkyl trimethyl ammonium chlorides (such astrimethyloctylammonium chloride, decyltrimethyl ammonium chloride andhexadecyltrimethyl ammonium chloride),

We claim:
 1. An antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fiber comprising aquaternary ammonium compound in a concentration range of 0.05-1% w/w onthe regenerated cellulosic fiber.
 2. The antibacterial regeneratedcellulosic fiber as claimed in claim 1, wherein the quaternary ammoniumcompound is in a concentration range of 0.1-1% w/w on cellulosic fiber.3. The antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fiber as claimed in claim 1,wherein the quaternary ammonium compound is selected from the groupconsisting of dodecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC), C8-C18 alkyltrimethyl ammonium chlorides (such as trimethyloctylammonium chloride,decyltrimethyl ammonium chloride and hexadecyltrimethyl ammoniumchloride), soyalkyltrimethyl ammonium chloride, dicocalkyl dimethylammonium chloride, alkyl-benzyl dimethyl ammonium chlorides (such asbenzyldimethylstearyl ammonium chloride, benzyl alkyl dimethyl ammoniumchloride orcocalkyl(2,4-dichlorobenzyl) dimethyl ammonium chloride,Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride, OctylDecyl Dimethyl AmmoniumChloride, Didecyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride, Dioctyl Dimethyl AmmoniumChloride, silicon based quaternary ammonium salts such as3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl dimethyl octadecyl ammonium chloride,3-(trimethoxysilyl) propylmethyldi(decyl)ammonium chloride,3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl octadecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride andmixtures thereof.
 4. The antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fiber asclaimed in claim 1, has an antibacterial activity of more than 99% afterat least 20 wash cycles.
 5. The antibacterial regenerated cellulosicfiber as claimed in claim 1 retains antibacterial activity duringdownstream processing.
 6. The antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fiberas claimed in claim 1 is antibacterial viscose staple fiber,antibacterial modal fiber or antibacterial lyocell fiber.
 7. Theantibacterial regenerated cellulosic fiber as claimed in claim 1 is usedfor making woven, non-woven fabrics, fiber blends and fiber composites.8. A process for preparing antibacterial regenerated cellulosic fibers,comprising: spinning a cellulosic solution through spinneret into aregeneration bath to obtain regenerated cellulosic fibers; washing theregenerated cellulosic fibers; treating the regenerated cellulosicfibers with a solution of quaternary ammonium compound having aconcentration range of 0.1-1.5% w/w of regenerated cellulosic fibers toobtain treated regenerated cellulosic fibers; and drying the treatedregenerated cellulosic fibers to obtain antibacterial regeneratedcellulosic fibers.
 9. The process as claimed in claim 8, whereintreatment of the regenerated cellulosic fibers with the solution ofquaternary ammonium compound is carried out by spraying, padding,dipping, pouring or soaking.
 10. The process as claimed in claim 8,wherein the quaternary ammonium compound is selected from the groupconsisting of dodecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC), C8-C18 alkyltrimethyl ammonium chlorides (such as trimethyloctylammonium chloride,decyltrimethyl ammonium chloride and hexadecyltrimethyl ammoniumchloride), soyalkyltrimethyl ammonium chloride, dicocalkyl dimethylammonium chloride, alkyl-benzyl dimethyl ammonium chlorides (such asbenzyldimethylstearyl ammonium chloride, benzyl alkyl dimethyl ammoniumchloride orcocalkyl(2,4-dichlorobenzyl) dimethyl ammonium chloride,Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride, OctylDecyl Dimethyl AmmoniumChloride, Didecyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride, Dioctyl Dimethyl AmmoniumChloride, silicon based quaternary ammonium salts such as3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl dimethyl octadecyl ammonium chloride,3-(trimethoxysilyl) propylmethyldi(decyl)ammonium chloride,3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl octadecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride andmixtures thereof.